How to Get to Zugdidi from Tbilisi

Whether you’re heading to see the Dadiani Palace or planning a trip to Svaneti, one of the first questions that comes up is: how to get to Zugdidi? We’ve got all the options covered.

Zugdidi is about 334 km from Tbilisi, and you can get there by:

• Train
• Minibus
• Car
• Taxi
• Private transfer

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to reach Zugdidi, taking the train is a great option.

Currently, there’s just one train per day on this route. It leaves from the Central Railway Station (Station Square 2, near Station Square metro station) at 08:40 AM and arrives in Zugdidi around 14:35.

It’s a modern train with comfortable seats, air conditioning, power outlets, and even Wi-Fi. Just keep in mind the internet connection can be spotty, so it’s best to download any movies, playlists, or work files in advance.

You can buy tickets either at the station or online. If you book online, there’s no need to print anything — just bring your passport and show your e-ticket on your phone to the conductor.

Departure time: 08:40 daily
Travel time: just under 6 hours
Tickets: 16 GEL (2nd class), 31 GEL (1st class), 45 GEL (business class)

Tip: If you’re buying multiple tickets and want to sit together, it’s best to go to the station and buy them in person or pay one lari per seat to choose them. Also, make sure to double-check the schedule and prices before your trip.

Since Zugdidi is a fairly large city, taking a minibus is another affordable way to get there.

Minibuses leave every hour and a half from Okriba Bus Station, which is located near Didube Bus Station and the Didube metro stop.

You can’t book tickets in advance — just pay the driver in cash when you board. Be sure to arrive a bit early, as minibuses often fill up quickly and may leave ahead of schedule.

Departure time: from 08:00 to 20:00, every 1.5 hours
Travel time: around 5 hours
Cost: from 30 GEL

Tip: It’s a long trip, and the ride isn’t always the most comfortable. Think basic seats, no air conditioning, and sometimes drivers who smoke or drive a little too fast. If comfort is important to you, a private transfer might be a better option.

If you prefer to travel on your schedule and enjoy driving, you can get to Zugdidi by car.

Rental prices in Tbilisi start at around 140 GEL per day — for example, that’s what you might pay for a Subaru Crosstrek. Just keep in mind that on weekends, budget cars tend to get booked fast, so it’s smart to plan ahead if you want a good deal.

Don’t forget to factor in gas costs (roughly 120–170 GEL for this trip), and note that some rental companies also require a deposit.

Best route: Take the ს1 highway from Tbilisi to Zugdidi.

Travel time: about 5 hours (not including stops)
Cost: 140–190 GEL (rental) + 120–170 GEL (fuel) + possible deposit

Tip: Once you arrive, park your car and start your walk from Zugdidi Boulevard, the main street connecting the city’s two squares. You’ll find pretty fountains, sculptures, and plenty of benches to relax on. From there, you can easily stroll over to Dadiani Palace. And when it’s time for dinner, don’t miss out on Megrelian dishes — try the kharcho with walnuts and the cheesy elarji. Locals swear they’re unforgettable!

Taking a taxi will cost more than a train or minibus, but it can be a good option if tickets are sold out, or if you just want to travel alone without other passengers.

The ride still takes around 5 hours, so it’s worth considering a higher fare. While you won’t know exactly what kind of car will show up, choosing a more expensive option increases the chances of getting a clean vehicle and a calm, professional driver.

You can order a taxi through apps like Bolt. The price is shown right away and depends on factors like weather, traffic, and the carrier. On average, a one-way trip costs around 320 GEL — though that doesn’t include extra time for stops along the way.

Travel time: about 5 hours (not including stops)
Cost: from 320 GEL

Another good option for getting from Tbilisi to Zugdidi is booking a GoTrip transfer.

Why choose it? One word: comfort. You can book a car not only from Tbilisi, but from any city in Georgia, and at a time that works best for you.

You get to choose both the car and the driver — how many seats you need, how big the trunk is, and even whether your cat can come along. You can also read reviews from other passengers in advance. All GoTrip drivers are trained, experienced, and know the roads well. If you’re in the mood to chat, many are happy to share stories, recommend places to eat, or help you find souvenirs along the way.

Another big plus: fixed pricing. No matter how many stops you make, the price won’t change.

👉 Book a transfer from Tbilisi to Zugdidi

Just head to the website, enter your starting point, destination, and preferred time — your driver will call you to confirm the details and meet you at the pickup spot.

Travel time: around 4 hours 47 minutes
Cost: from 325 GEL (120$)

Wishing you a smooth and memorable journey!